People versus place in Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin: balancing economic, social ecosystem and community outcomes

Abstract

Public policy requirements to satisfy triple-bottom-line (i.e., economic, social and environmental) objectives, particularly in regard to the sustainable development of resources have impacted on river basin management. This chapter uses the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) in eastern Australia as a basis for discussion as it provides useful insights into how early river basin management in the MDB emphasized people issues. There has also been a gradual recognition of the relevance of place in the MDB and the implications of this are discussed. This chapter also examines the resultant trade-off requirements by considering dimensions of people and place in the context of the MDB.